The Sprout
Like father, like son! Oxford Beard Festival at the Tap
The newsletter for North Hinksey & Botley
Issue 122 November 2017
The Sprout
Issue 122, November 2017
Contents
3 Letters to the Editor
5 Planning Everywhere!
9 Beards and Curries
15 Botley Medical Practice PPG
19 Cleaner Air for Botley
21 The Sky’s the Limit
25 Brownies
29 Botley Arts exhibitions
31 Apple Day 2017
33 Change and Progress
35 West Way update
37 Crispy leaves and Conkers
38 Pop-up performance
39 Planning Applications
41 Randoms
43 Local Organizations
From the Editor
Lots going on in Botley, at the moment. Neighbourhood Plan advancing
slowly but surely towards the referendum that will precede its adoption.
Latest consultation was on 15th October, comments must all be in to the
Library or the Seacourt Hall – or online – by November 30th (p5). Botley
Arts have put on a new exhibition in SS Peter and Paul Church, this time
work by students at Matthew Arnold school (p29), a chance for those of us
who don’t have a child there to get a brief insight into what goes on.
October saw a number of lively events, notably at the Tap Social (p9), up
at Brookes (p38), and in the Community Orchard (p31). The Brownies
continue to tease out the social issues that affect us all (p25), and a new
group has formed to address the air pollution from our busy roads, which
hangs heavy over the two primary schools at the bottom of the hill (p 19).
Linda Losito throws a spotlight on another aspect of pollution that we
should be wary of (p21), and the PPG explains how to get urgent care from
your doctor (p15). Coming up in November: lots of firework displays
around the 5th – look out for your pets! – and the Remembrance Service
on Sunday 12th. On Armistice Day, Saturday 11th, there will be a 2-minute
silence in the precinct at 11am.
Ag MacKeith
Letters to the Editor
The new Big Issue seller at the Coop is Lionel. He has been there a few
weeks and is building up his clientele. I have been buying from him for a
few weeks now. On Monday 25th there was a mass of litter around that
area and he was worried that people would think it was because of him.
It was a mixture of fast food rubbish, till roll stuff from the Coop and the
cash machine, and sweet wrappers. Later that morning I saw him picking
some of it up himself and putting it in the bin. He shouldn't have to pick
up other people's litter while he is selling on that patch. When you see
him you will notice he is a very tall, elderly, person and bending down is
not easy for him. Thanks to Lionel for trying to sort out the mess, but
whose responsibility is it to keep that area tidy? Surely not Lionel's!
Anne Watson
[Follow up. The Sprout has also had a letter from a West Oxford resident
who noted Graham Wells’s letter about overhanging hedges in the
Summer Sprout, and has kindly sent us a leaflet to pass on to him. It is
the County Council’s guide to rules and ownership of hedges and trees,
which clearly puts the onus on the landowner to cut them back when they
overhang the pavement. Not in the
Spring, though, when birds may be
nesting. The hedge along North
Hinksey lane has been causing
problems for too long. Hopefully the
parish council will have a more
effective management programme
in place by the time you read this.
Following the letter about the
savage cat at the top of Elms Rise,
another Sprout reader had the
same experience, and sent a
sympathetic message. However
there was also an email from
someone who was pleased that the
worm had turned, and applauded
the cat for taking the initiative
instead waiting to see if the dog was
going to chase it. Ed]
Planning, planning everywhere!
After a slow summer with little apparent action, everything suddenly
seems to be happening at once on the planning front.
Firstly the Vale are running a consultation on their Local Plan 2031 Part
2 up to 22nd November. This is your last chance to comment before this
plan is submitted. Details are on the Vale’s website
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk .
Following in the Local Plan’s footsteps is our very own Neighbourhood
Plan, which just covers North Hinksey Parish. A public feedback event on
October 15th (see photo) attracted over 60 attendees, many of whom
took the opportunity to comment on the policies and community actions
in the draft Plan. We hope to get this plan adopted next year, after which
these policies will become planning legislation with equal weight to
policies in the Local Plan.
To extend the opportunity to comment you can now pick up feedback
forms from Botley Library or download them from the Neighbourhood
Plan website at www.nhinkseynp.org.uk . You can also download the full
draft plan from
the website or
see a printed
copy in the
Library.
Completed forms
need to be
returned to the
Library or posted
through the
Seacourt Hall
letterbox by 30th
November, or e-
mailed to
cllrdavidkay@hotmail.com The Neighbourhood Plan includes important
policies to protect green spaces and leisure facilities, and to provide
detailed guidelines on what constitutes appropriate development in our
area, so don’t miss this opportunity to have your say.
Things are finally progressing on the redevelopment of Botley Centre too!
Mace made adjustments to their planning application covering the
temporary location around Elms Court and the Grant Thornton Building
and managed to overcome the County Council’s concerns and gain
approval from the Vale in early October. Once the sale of various parcels
of land has been completed work will begin on the ground. This should
occur before year end, with the temporary site being ready for occupation
around the start of February.
At that point Seacourt Hall, Botley Baptist Church, the Co-op, Tesco and
Lloyds Chemists will all transfer from their current sites into the temporary
homes, where they will remain for around eighteen months until the new
community building and retail units are ready to house them. All of these
organisations will continue to operate throughout the whole of the
redevelopment works, so do please continue to support them and keep
Botley Centre alive (more from WWCC on page 35).
Although the shops will be smaller units in their temporary location,
Seacourt Hall will enjoy the luxury of the spacious second floor of the
Grant Thornton Building. Not only will the hall itself be considerably larger
than the current one, but other facilities will be larger too. The exact
transfer date will be highlighted on the Seacourt Hall website at
www.seacourthall.org.uk as soon as it is known. Plans are also afoot to
organise an open day once the move has taken place to give everybody
a chance to look around.
Throughout the redevelopment of the whole site the Parish Council will
do its best to keep you informed on progress, so keep an eye on the
NHPC noticeboards, and website at www.northhinksey-pc.gov.uk
Planning may not seem an exciting topic to most people, but it does
impact hugely on everybody’s life in the long term, particularly when
major projects like those described in this article are in progress. Thank
you for reading this far, and I hope
you will remain interested and
involved in the future, and help the
community to develop plans that
will make Botley a better place to
live and work in for all of us.
David Kay, Chairman North
Hinksey Parish Council, and
Secretary of the Neighbourhood
Plan Steering Group.
Tap Social Movement – the gift that keeps on giving
Plenty going on at the Tap Social Movement over the past few weeks.
Their association with the
Foodbank opposite, down there
in Curtis’s Yard, is proving highly
fruitful. On 1st October, in
partnership with the Foodbank
and Low Carbon West Oxford
they hosted an event to Beet the
Waste. This involved all kinds of
creative challenges to use up
food that would otherwise have
gone to waste. There was a timed
competition to see what meals
could be created in an hour from Foodbank supplies. Three teams – or
was it four? – came up with a surprising range of dishes, all looking and
tasting delicious. You’d have been proud to have served any of them to
friends of an evening, and the winner was a succulent curry which
featured strips of banana skin!
Then there was the competition
for a cake made from vegetables
Entries included one made with
green peas and citron (with the
balls on top in the photo), and
several from carrots, beetroots
and courgettes. The whole
standard was very high, as we
were all able to confirm as we
eagerly ate everything on offer.
The beer was as good as ever,
and the icing on the cake, so to
speak, was the Knights of
Mentis, one of Oxford’s favourite
local bands who played a
stonking set, despite occasional
electric shocks from the sound
system. It was much
appreciated, not just by the
adults, but by the row of little children lined up along the front. In fact it
was a really family-friendly afternoon
which everyone enjoyed, drawing
attention to the efforts of Low Carbon
West Oxford which is ten years old this
year, and to the Foodbank, which goes
from strength to strength.
Then the following week it was the turn
of Oxford’s Fourth Beard Festival to be
hosted by the Tap Social. Several
famous names were present, flaunting
their facial fungus: such as the World
Champion Mutton Chop wearer, Mick
Wallage (see photo). He had been in
Austin, Texas for the championships the
week before. Very serious, he said, not
a bit of a laugh like today. The man who
came second was so disappointed he
cried.
This was another family friendly occasion. The photo on the cover shows
the British Beard and Moustache Champion, Lee Andrews, with his son
Aidan Rogers, who has clearly started young! And what is it that makes
beards and tattoos bedfellows? This is where the ladies gave the gents a
run for their money. They also got a
chance in the Best Made Beard
competition. Two outstanding offerings
were the crocheted Sea Creatures
beard, encrusted with starfish, whelks
and crabs, and set off by a baggy
octopus hat, and the fabulous bouquet
confection of autumn flowers stretching from chin to waist of one of the
Foodbank volunteers. There was a raffle, and the Foodbank was open all
afternoon, so it got a lot of useful publicity, as well as raising over
£1000.The photo shows Marie entering into the spirit of the afternoon as
she serves the Foodbank curry.
So all credit to the Tap Social Movement, which doesn’t just brew
interesting beer and give hope to ex-offenders, but through whose
agency living in Botley has recently become a whole lot more fun!
Ag MacKeith
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Pop In to the Pop-Up Cafe
The pop-up cafe at the Botley Baptist church was
set up to meet a need in the community. With the
decline in services and amenities in the Botley
area, a friendly place for people to socialise, drink
tea and coffee, eat home-made cakes and have a
chat was needed. Kalyan Das, the minister,
approached me and asked me to set up a café that
might address the needs of the community.
We offer good food, drink and company. Mondays
and Fridays are “knit and natter” days. Free fruit
for under 5s, plus toys and books. Very child- and
family-friendly.
We are putting on floral workshops, craft events, a Christmas Craft Fair
on 25th November and community meals in the new year.
Please pop in and say hello, and if you bring your copy of the Sprout with
this article in it with you, you will get a free cup of tea or coffee when you
buy a drink and a cake.
I know the fact it is in a church has put some people off, but this is not
about religion, no one is going to preach at you. This place is for people
to meet and eat, drink and socialise. I have already heard it described as
‘a little gem’. We look forward to seeing you.
Anna Antell
PPG News – Getting urgent care
For most urgent or semi-urgent care required during normal working
hours, patients of Botley Medical Centre, including Kennington patients,
should call the Medical Centre – 01865 248719. During the working day
there is always a doctor on duty. The Medical Centre can offer same-day
appointments, with a doctor or with a practice nurse, or the patient can
book a phone call with the duty doctor.
Out of working hours, there are now two new routes to obtaining care:
1. More out of hours GP appointments
Local GPs, working together in federations, including the OxFed
federation of Oxford practices which includes Botley Medical Centre,
have planned to eventually provide over 5,000 more appointments a
month to patients across Oxfordshire to improve access to healthcare.
These include consultations with GPs, nurses, and other practice staff.
In Oxford, the additional appointments are provided at St Bartholomew’s
Medical Centre. Over half of the appointments are provided at times when
practices are usually closed, including during weekday evenings (6.30pm
– 8pm), or on Saturdays and Sundays. This gives patients greater choice
about when and where they can access GP services.
All GPs and other clinicians working at St Bartholomew’s are able to
access patient notes with the consent of the patient.
Patients can book routine appointments in advance, as well as same-day
urgent appointments, by phoning their own practice receptionist, who will
advise them of available slots and make a booking on their behalf. The
times and locations of hub services will be available on practice websites
so that patients can choose an appropriate time to request an
appointment.
If people are unable to book a GP appointment under the scheme and
need to see a doctor urgently out of hours they should contact NHS 111.
In due course it will be helpful to know how many patients make use of
this new service, and the practice will have access to this information.
2. Improved access to urgent care via a 111 call
The 111 service allows patients to access urgent, as opposed to
emergency, care, with a phone call. This service is especially useful
when an appointment with a GP cannot be booked through a patient’s
local practice. In an emergency, however, patients should call 999.
According to the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, the 111
service now offers people across the Thames Valley (Bucks, Oxon and
Berks) access to a wide range of care services through a single call.
A patient calling the 111 number will speak to a trained call handler who
will assess the person’s needs. They will be able to arrange for the patient
to see or speak to a healthcare professional, including GPs where
clinically appropriate. The 111 service offers access to:
GP clinical leadership and triage within the service
dental nurse assessment
community psychiatric nursing and improved access to mental
health crisis teams across the week
paediatric specialists
prescribing pharmacists
tailored support to care and nursing homes
early intervention for under-fives, over 85s and end of life patients
direct booking of out-of-hours appointments across Thames
Valley
enhanced assessment of cases recommended to attend
Emergency Departments or receive a Green ambulance (60
minute) response by a clinician
improved support for self-care where clinically appropriate
Improved transfer of patient information and access to care
records.
It is claimed that, with one call to 111, patients will be directed to care
which will meet their physical, mental and social care needs in a timely
and clinically safe manner.
The PPG will be pleased to receive feedback from patients of Botley
surgery as to how well these arrangements work out in practice –
botleyppg@gmail.com
Grant Nightingale, for Botley Medical Centre’s Patient Participation Group.
This article is written on behalf of Botley PPG. The views expressed are
not necessarily those of the Medical Practice.
Self-Care Week
Don’t forget that 13th to 19th November is Self-Care Week. The PPG
places great emphasis on all of us taking as much responsibility for our
own health as we can. There will be special displays and information
about self-care at the surgery that week. More information about this
initiative can be found at - http://www.selfcareforum.org/events/self-care-
week/
Action on Air Pollution
A group has formed to do something
about the poisonous exhaust fumes
that hang over our neighbourhood.
Over 20 people attended a meeting on
Friday 22 September at the Botley WI
Hall to discuss the problem of air
pollution in our area, especially as it
affects our children. Local MP Layla
Moran was there, as were local
councillors Emily Smith (Vale of White
Horse) and Judy Roberts (Oxfordshire
County). Parents from Botley and
North Hinksey Schools presented the
evidence they are collecting of high levels of air pollution near the schools
and described the health risks associated with NO2 and particulates.
We would like the Vale of White Horse to commit to monitoring the
situation at both schools, and we would like Oxfordshire County Council
to take steps to actually address the issue. Traffic along the A34, the
A420 and Botley Road is (as we all know!) a huge problem, and we
discussed some partial solutions – such as better public transport and
cycle routes, and enforcing the 50 mph speed limit along the A34 near
Botley. We also considered things individuals with cars could do to
reduce air pollution, like avoiding idling and short car journeys.
As a result of this discussion, we have formed the Botley Air Action
Group, to advocate for cleaner air in Botley! You can find us on Facebook,
or contact us at botleyairactiongroup@gmail.com!
Sarah Cohen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It’s that time of year…
… When we have to choose between celebrating Hallowe’en or Guy
Fawkes night. The Friends of Botley School have made it easy to do both
this year by inviting smaller children to bring their torches and families for
a spooky hour exploring the nursery garden by night, on 3rd November
between 5 and 6pm. The proper fireworks display will follow at 7pm,
(gates open at 6pm). Tickets from the school and the library.
The Sky’s the Limit
Over the last year, there has been a lot of media
coverage of the problems caused by plastic
pollution in the sea. People are now more aware
of it and the dangers it causes to wildlife. Marine
creatures ingest plastic bags on the surface,
probably mistaking them for jellyfish. When the
stomach contents of dead sea-birds are
examined, they are often completely full of odd
bits of plastic from disposable cigarette lighters, toothbrushes, pen tops
and a wide range of other bits of discarded rubbish. The birds have often
starved to death, unable to take in real food.
There is some argument about exactly where all of this garbage comes
from, and how much is deliberately dumped, but year on year it gets
worse. Cleaning up a beach can only ever be a temporary measure.
And it is not just the sea. Plastic is tossed everywhere by those who just
don’t care. The hedgerows are full of plastic bottles. I recently saw a cow
trying to swallow one. If it had succeeded, no doubt it would have died;
no wonder that farmers find it hard to make a decent living. Hedgehogs
get trapped in the rings of plastic which hold together 4-packs of lager.
Plastic bags of dog poo festoon the branches like weird Christmas
decorations. This we know.
But there is another problem which is not being addressed: balloons.
Thousands and thousands of balloons, released by good people in the
name of charity. No-one seems to be asking the question as to where
they end up. They are released and magically disappear up into the sky.
Except that they don’t. What goes up must come down.
As a walker of the tracks and pathways which still criss-cross the
countryside, I regularly come across the remains of charity balloons, still
with their logos intact. Do animals eat them? Of course they do. Last
month I dissected the pellet of a Little Owl from the green and glorious
countryside of Gloucestershire. It was part of a student’s project looking
into what these birds eat. Pellets contain the regurgitated remains of the
bird’s last meal. There, among the bits of mouse bone and the wing
cases of beetles, were the shrivelled remains of a yellow balloon. At that
point I admit to feeling rage.
It does not stop there. On returning home from holiday in one of the
hottest driest periods this year, I found, lying close to my back door, a
burnt out paper lantern. I have seen news footage of people releasing
these insidious things into the sky to help ‘smooth the path of their loved
one’s soul into heaven’. Unfortunately it also smooths the farmer’s path
into bankruptcy when his carefully stacked hay bursts into flames. And I
am sure that whichever God/gods/angels are involved, they are perfectly
capable of providing assistance to the newly dead on their own.
Inflammable material is not required.
We need a little ’blue sky thinking’ here. Releasing garbage into the sky
is no different from tossing it over a hedge. It is just that one carries a
fine while the other, unfortunately, does not. Yet. Linda Losito
Not all Singing and Campfires
The new term saw us welcome Christina, Eleanor, Wiktoria, Sophia,
Julia, Stella and Rosa to 2nd Botley Brownies. With the programme all
sorted the badge that we have decided upon for this term is called “Free
Being Me”. It just so happens that our meetings now follow on from Karate
lessons run by Sensei Charlie from Team Black Belt whose strapline is
“Inspiring Confidence” so after a chat we got Charlie in to run some
sessions for us tailored to the badge which is all about empowering girls
through improving body confidence and self-esteem. (See, Girlguiding is
not all about singing and campfires – although we do enjoy that too).
What a fabulous time we had – Charlie had the girls in the “palm of his
hand” right from the start. He certainly inspired confidence with all our
girls including the newbies and ones that are sometimes a little shy at
first. From the off he had them totally focussed using their brains and their
limbs. We learnt some basic Karate and self-defence whilst playing
energetic games that required co-ordination, balance and quick
reactions. Each time they had to
concentrate during the instructions
and then after a quick re-cap they
were off doing the fun activities
(and their faces were beaming).
They interacted with him 100%
and he got swift responses from
them all. He also expanded the
learning with some anti-bullying
strategies too. The girls must have
slept well after those two Brownie
meetings as each time he had
them on the go for a solid but
energetic hour. Thank you Charlie.
In following meetings we have
been learning that it’s what’s inside us that matters most and everyone is
good at something. For example, we played a game called “Pot of Gold”
where everyone had to take a piece of yellow paper (to represent gold
coins) and write their name on one side of the paper, and on the other
side they wrote something they think is special about themselves. The
“coins” were collected in a pot, shaken and then each participant picked
out a coin, read out both sides of the coin, and gave it back to its writer
sharing a hug or high five.
Another week we tackled perceptions of beauty. After the stereo-typical
“princess” drawings were produced we learnt that there’s not just one way
to look beautiful and those are totally unrealistic anyway. We learnt that
there is a huge diversity of beauty ideals around the world and some of
those seemed incredible to the girls when we played a true or false game
about them. We even discussed the most implausible and these are
some of the most unbelievable according to our girls:
“Somewhere in the world…
… very high hairlines and big foreheads were thought very attractive –
and people would pluck their hairline to make it higher.” (Answer: Think
Queen Elizabeth 1).
“…people with tanned skin are considered more beautiful, so women and
men will sit under big lamps, spray paint their bodies or rub lotion into
their skin to tan it.”
Followed by:
“…people feel it’s more beautiful to have a lighter skin tone, and women
and men will rub lotion into their skin to whiten it and avoid going in the
sun.”
It makes you think, doesn’t it? Lucy Howes
Botley Arts Exhibitions – St Peter & St Paul’s
Church, West Way, Botley, Oxford
Jenny Greer's stunning watercolours can still be seen at St Peter and St
Paul's Church in Botley until the first weekend in November. Here’s what
she said: "I have always enjoyed painting and drawing and became
serious when I completed 'A' level Art. Looking back I should have gone
to Art College where I would have taken up Fabric Design. Instead, I
trained as an Infant Teacher. I took up Art again when I retired, and
particularly enjoy painting plant and still life in watercolour.”
Do go and lift your spirits with a visit to these beautiful and delicate
paintings – entry is free. We hope you will write a comment in our Artist's
book, – it is always so encouraging for
the artists to receive feedback.
From 4th November to 9th December
an exhibition will feature a selection of
GCSE and A Level Art & Design work
on a variety of themes, produced by
students of Matthew Arnold School.
Observational drawing forms the
starting point and basis for the
students’ visual enquires. Their
experimental work uses a wide range
of media and methods, such as 3D
modelling or sculpture, painting,
printmaking, flat colour and pattern
design, photography and, of course,
plenty of drawing. Students will also
research relevant artists and
photographers and make connections
with their own work and ideas.
Expect a stimulating range of styles and
execution, and see if you can spot the
references to the works of artists and
photographers who have inspired them.
If you’d like to see more, take a look at
the Matthew Arnold School website
www.maschool.org.uk
There will be a private view from 3.30 to
5pm at the Church on Tuesday 7th
November. Refreshments will be served
and all art lovers of all ages are
welcome.
For further information on Botley Arts,
or how to exhibit with us please contact:
Jennie Hopkins: jennie@talk 21.com or 07891 905165
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Apple Day 2017
The sixth annual Botley Apple Day
took place last month on 8th October.
This year it was held in the community
orchard, with the Hersoms’ Apple and
Pear identification table in the W.I.
Hall, along with lots of delicious cakes
and recipes. There isn’t enough fruit to
pick yet on the orchard’s young trees,
but they are coming along, and this
seems like the perfect location for
future Apple Days. Many thanks to all
those who made this year’s a success,
particularly Jed who brought and
wielded the apple press, and Colin
and Sally for all the baking and the
apple identification.
AgM
Change and Progress
I’ve been pondering recently about how television-watching technology
seems to keep changing, and at a much quicker pace than, say,
microwave ovens! No longer can you record the BBC on VCR and your
DVD player is sometimes separate from your HDD recording, if that
makes any sense to you. What with the internet and multiple channels at
least, if you wait long enough, an episode of Lewis, Endeavour or
Midsomer Murders that you missed on ITV (channel 3) will be repeated
on ITV3 (channel 10) although if, according to recent suggestions, only
electric cars are allowed in Oxford then, during filming, Endeavour Morse
will have to replace his 60s petrol car with perhaps a 60s milk float. Then
there is the divide between those who have satellite and cable and those
that can manage with Freeview. For example, I haven’t a clue what Game
of Thrones is about – although actually that sounds like a title for a new
Radio show, especially if the word “sorry” was added somewhere.
Even in this parish, things change – for better or for worse. I couldn’t
imagine the West Way/Westminster Way junction now without traffic
lights, although at rush hour or during the weekend, a green light doesn’t
always mean you can go. Undoubtedly our local teachers have continued
to improve our children’s education, although we still end up with nurse
shortages in our hospitals. We all hope that when West Way Shopping
Centre is developed that it will be a change for the better – will it still be
called West Way?
Are gardens in the parish as smart as they used to be? Undoubtedly this
is made more difficult by weeds like mare’s tail which seems to like areas
where there are plenty of natural springs. There are also plenty of stingy
nettles on public areas near pavements. Sadly I don’t think BBC’s
Gardener’s World is going to spend an hour just talking about weeds.
Perhaps Botley Library has got the technology balance right. Whilst
they’ve got computers, they’ve still got some amazing books. Apart from
wear and tear, a book will still be readable 50 years from now.
Trends and fashions change, family structures can change, but people
are still people and, unlike mobile phones, can provide warmth, opinion,
support, advice and help make the world a less lonely place.
Martin Harris
West Way update
On 4th October the VOWHDC Planning Committee approved Mace’s
change-of-use application for the Grant Thornton and Elms Court
buildings, and the access and traffic work required for temporary facilities
work to begin. The planning approval for the change of use covers just
the conversion of Elms Court and Grant Thornton’s, plus the demolition
of Seacourt Hall and the back part of Grant Thornton building including
the toilets. This work is needed to relocate the Co-op, Tesco and Lloyds
chemist, the Baptist Church, and the Seacourt Hall into temporary
facilities before demolition and Phase 1 of the redevelopment can begin.
Mace hadn’t given a starting date for the work at the time of writing, as
there are a number of conditions that have to be met before work can
start. We understand that they will be distributing a newsletter to residents
so we hope that by the time you read this article they will have provided
us with a clearer idea of actual timelines.
There were some concerns raised on the change-of-use application
around the proposed construction and delivery routes and the danger to
the public. Mace have admitted that their proposal for construction
vehicles coming via West Way and turning left into Church Way was not
the safest route; they are re-thinking this as required by the conditions
that the Vale have imposed. These cover safety, construction traffic and
times of day for the work, reducing noise impact on close neighbours and
more. The full decision notice with conditions can be found on our
website. Meanwhile WWCC continues its two-fold role:
To provide a means of communication on the development and to
raise issues of concern with
Mace;
To monitor the planning
conditions until the
development is built.
Please check our website and
social media for more details
on the changes, or sign up for
our email updates to get the
latest information.
www.westwayconcern.wordpress.com www.twitter.com/westwayconcern
facebook.com/westwayconcern westwayconcern@gmail.com
Lorna Berrett, co-chair, WWCC
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Crispy leaves and conker cases
Ever run out of ideas for how to keep
your small child occupied without
resorting to more plastic toys or the TV?
How about providing a shallow tray filled
with horse chestnut leaves, spiky
conker cases plus of course shiny
conkers. Great for scrunching, feeling,
admiring and imagining. Add in the
centre from paper towels (for rolling
conkers down) and an empty egg box
(for sorting and organising) and you
have one absorbed two year old. In the
summer I used these same shallow
trays (meant for seed planting) for water
play. Use an array of empty containers
or lids for pouring. Add a squirt of
bubble mixture or drops of food
colouring for variety. Other good ideas
have included junk modelling, threading
pasta onto string and making – and
eating – pizza.
The source of all these and other
free/low cost play ideas is Botley Bridges. I've been a regular attender on
Friday mornings since Botley Bridges opened last year, taking over from
the children's centre. Sue, Hayley and volunteer Carolyn do a great job
of providing different stimulating activities each week for under fives and
their carers. Give it a try! Fridays 9–11.30 am all year except bank hols.
See the website for more details : http://www.botleybridges.org
Maria Leedham
Pop-up Performances at Harcourt Hill campus
Year 1 architectural students staged a Pop-up Performance on October
17th when they invited members of the local community, students and
staff to show
off their
hidden
talents as
part of an
“Open Mic”
event at
Harcourt Hill
campus.
Learning
from the
success of
Brookes’
policy of
opening up
their Sports Facilities to the local community, students explored the
possibility of opening up the campus to host performance events to
nurture local talent and attract performances to the West of Oxford.
To test this out, they designed and built small Pop-up Performance
Pieces that added up to create an outdoor theatre and invited
performances to take place on site as part of a public participation event.
The event brought colour, sound and magic to the area. Students were
in charge of promoting the event and finding performers to test the Pop-
ups. Acts included drama, singing, magic, classical and contemporary
music, improvisation, circus and dance.
Feedback gathered at the event will be used in the design of their next
project which will be ideas for a new foyer for the existing theatre on
campus. It is hoped that the event will help to inform Brookes’
programme of investment across the University to provide “high quality,
sustainable campuses” and learn from the success of the inclusion of
the local community in the sports centre.
We are still gathering comments and feedback from local people. If you
would like to get in touch to comment or find out more, please email:
rcuenca@brookes.ac.uk
Ruth Cuenca
LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS
P17/V2546/LDE
Field End Harcourt Hill. Land adjacent
to Pool House for use as garden land.
13 Sept
TDD: 8 Nov
P17/V2570/HH
56 Westminster Way. Single-storey side
extension.
15 Sept
TDD: 10 Nov
P17/V2586/LDP
42 Cedar Road. new ground floor & first
floor layouts, constructing a rear single-
storey extension & loft conversion.
19 Sept
Target Decision
date:
14 Nov
P17/V2600/HH
10 Finmore Road. Single storey rear
extension. Insert roof dormer & roof
lights to rear elevation. Hip to gable.
20 Sept
TDD: 15 Nov
P17/V2719/HH
51 Yarnells Hill. Rear single & two
storey works to give open plan dining
room & kitchen, & additional bedrooms.
Convert garage into study & games
room. Extend front porch.
6 Oct
TDD: 1 Dec
P17/V2734/FUL
49 Hutchcomb Road. Demolish existing
detached bungalow & replace with 2
semi-detached chalet bungalows.
6 Oct
TDD: 1 Dec
Randoms
New Day for Which Craft
Which Craft has moved its regular slot at the Pavilion in Arnold’s Way
from 3rd to 4th Monday in the month, 7.30 – 9.30 pm. For a mere £3,
which includes room hire and refreshments, you can bring your own craft
project to work on, share your skills and benefit from others’ expertise.
More on their website whichcraft.botley@yahoo.co.uk
Hilltop Shop, Elms Rise
Ellie offers a warm welcome to customers at the Hilltop Shop, Elms Rise
(corner of Laburnum Rd/Crabtree Road). Please note new Winter
opening hours. Sunday – Thursday 09.00-noon (closed over lunchtime)
and then 14.00 – 20.00. Friday and Saturday day-time hours are the
same but the shop is open until 21.00. Please support this local shop.
Nearly-new Sale
Saturday Nov 11th 2:30 – 4:30, at SS Peter and Paul’s church hall. North
Hinksey Pre-school Nearly New Sale: Children’s toys, Clothes, and Baby
equipment for sale (ages 0–11 years) . £1 entry. Contact
northhinkseynearlynewsale@gmail.com for a seller’s pack
Walking for Health Botley
These Saturday morning walks will be held twice a month, on the second
and fourth Saturdays, starting at 9.45am from the W.I. Hall in North
Hinksey Lane. Dates for November are 11th and 25th.
Botley W.I.
Our next meeting will be on 7th November, when Cyril Mannion will talk
about being a ‘Captain at Work.’ The Walking group will meet at WI Hall
on 9th November to go by car to Blenheim for a walk there. On
Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, we shall be at the WI Hall to
provide refreshments for those attending the service at the
Commonwealth War Graves in Botley Cemetery. The Craft group will
meet on 21st November to make crackers. The WI Skittles Evening will
take place on 24 November at 7:30 pm. The Book group will meet on 27th
November. A Scarf workshop is planned for 24 February 2018 – please
sign up now.
Alison Jenner
Christmas Bazaar for Vale House
Saturday 25th November, 10am to 12noon, in SS Peter & Paul Church,
Westway. Tombola, Plants and Flowers, Cakes and Produce, Gifts,
Books, Raffle, Tea and Coffee. Entry 50p, children free. Run by Vale
House League of Friends
SS Peter and Paul
Continuing its mission to bring the community together at a time of local
upheaval, the Church will be holding a quiet service for the bereaved,
where you can light a candle and pray for those you have loved who have
now died on Sunday 5th November, 6.00pm. The Friends of St Lawrence
Christmas Fayre will be on Saturday 18th November, 10am – 2pm at SS
Peter and Paul, and there will be community singing and a cuppa at 2pm
on Friday, 1st December, also at the church.
New GP
There is a new GP partner at the Botley
/Kennington Medical Practice: Dr Maddy
Podichetty has joined the clinical team, and can
be seen at either surgery. She has lived and
worked in Oxford for the past 25 years, and has
experience as a psychiatrist as well as a GP, as
well as having worked in all the local hospitals, so
she is well-versed in local issues.
New Yoga Class in North Hinksey village
Regular Monday Vinyasa Yoga for all levels in the Manor Farm, North
Hinksey Village on Mondays 6.30 - 7.30pm. Mats provided. Costs £12
per session or £50 for 5 paid in a block.
Serena Momberg
Police Update
Glad to report, not much happening locally, though the Police are carrying
out swab tests in local pubs to check for cannabis and cocaine use. They
are also monitoring speed levels, and would welcome chapter and verse
on 101, their non-urgent phone number, if you see people speeding in
the locality.
Organizations: If your organization is not listed here, please send details
to editor@thesprout.org.uk or telephone 724452 for inclusion.
1st Botley Brownies
Girls aged 7–10
2nd Botley Brownies
Girls aged 7–10
4th Oxford Scout Group
Beavers, Cub Scouts, Scouts
15th Oxford Scout Group
Boys and girls welcome
Baby & Toddler Group
Badminton Club
Books on Wheels R.V.S.
Botley Boys & Girls F.C.
Football teams from ages 8-16
Botley Health Walks
Botley Library
Botley Singers
Chair-based Exercise Class
Community Fridge
Cumnor Choral Society
Cumnor Chess Club
Cumnor & District Historical
Society
Cumnor Gardening Club
Fit Steps – exercise based
on dance
Harmony InSpires, Ladies'
Acappella Singing Group
Hill End Volunteer Team
Let’s Sing! – singing group
Morris Dancing – Cry Havoc
Mum and Baby Yoga for
babies from 6 wks to crawling
North Hinksey Preschool
and Childcare Clubs
N Hinksey Art Group
N Hinksey Bellringers
N Hinksey Conservation
Volunteers
N Hinksey, Friends of
N Hinksey Horticultural Soc
N Hinksey Parish Council
N Hinksey Youth Club
Over Sixties Lunch Club
Oxford Flood Alliance
Oxford Flower Arranging Club
Oxford Otters
Oxford Rugby Club
Oxford Sports Lawn Tennis
Club, N Hinksey
Parkinson’s Disease Soc
Raleigh Park, Friends of
Royal Voluntary Service
(West Way Day Centre)
Saturdads
Botley Bridges
Seacourt Hall management
committee
Shotokan Karate club
Weight Watchers
West Oxford Bowls Club
West Oxford Taekwon Do
Club
West Oxford U3A
Which Craft?
Women’s Institute (Botley)